Following a tumultuous tenure at Inter Milan in his first coaching spell in Italy a few years ago, the media had been building up Rafa Benitez’s clash with the Nerazzurri as a revenge match of sort.

Despite the Spaniard insisting that he was purely focused on helping his current employers achieve something this season, their 4-2 win will undoubtedly have dealt a blow to their rivals while also strengthening their grip on third place.

Benitez has been criticised this season for his inability to secure positive results in the big games, and although Inter are perhaps not expected to challenge for the Scudetto, there was an aspect of the encounter that suggested it was a statement from the Partenopei.

In contrast, former Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri endured a losing return to the San Paolo, but claimed that incorrect refereeing decisions ultimately cost his side at least a point in what was a six-goal thriller with multiple chances at both ends.

Nevertheless, it was Benitez and Napoli who came out on top as they remain eight points adrift of leaders Juventus but will be buoyed by the result after a frustrating conclusion to their Champions League campaign.

Meanwhile, the Bianconeri were also in action on Sunday, and with a hat-trick from Carlos Tevez they were able to secure a comfortable 4-0 victory over Sassuolo.

It was arguably the ideal reaction that coach Antonio Conte would have wanted from his players after the mid-week Champions League disappointment, as they also extended their incredible run of form in Serie A which has seen them now pick up eight consecutive wins with eight clean sheets.

Elsewhere, Fiorentina continued their impressive goal-scoring start to the season with a 3-0 win over Bologna at the Artemio Franchi.

Josip Ilicic responded to recent speculation that he may leave the club in the January transfer window with a goal, while Borja Valero and Capocannoniere contender Giuseppe Rossi continued his memorable campaign.

AC Milan host Roma in the Monday night football clash at the San Siro, and while the visitors will be aiming to keep the pressure on Juve at the top of the table, the Rossoneri will be looking to keep their season alive as it is ultimately win or go home for Massimiliano Allegri’s men in their bid to secure a top-three finish.